3D printing technology can allow artists to explore innovative artistic techniques, allowing them to design and create elaborate structures using this new technology. In our following post, we explore how 3D printing technology is helping the art world to evolve, and how the technology can help us recreate the artistic wonders of the past.

Perfected artistic designs

Using 3D printers is seen by some in the art world as a great way to gain more control over the finished product. Approaching artistic design with the use of traditional methods, such as clay, leaves room for error and imperfection in the final design; while some may see this as all part of the charm of the artistic piece, others may enjoy the opportunity to design and create with the aim of achieving a finished product that is highly inline with their original vision.

Some artists argue against the use of 3D printing technology for fear that it will eradicate the originality in the artistic piece, taking away each unique structures specialness.

However, many artists and art commentators argue that 3D printing technology can help develop past artistic approaches and mediums, helping them to evolve in exciting ways - as we once saw with the move from painting to photography. In addition, one can combine multiple mediums; combining the flawed charm of traditional methods, such as painting and pottery, with the precision of 3D printing technology.

3D Printing Industry delves into the potentials of using 3D printing to help enrich the artistic world, “Technology has always served to upend artistic traditions, but it takes time. Photography did this to painting. With the camera perfectly capturing the world in 2D, painting had to become about much more than masterfully reflecting the literal appearance of things. In a similar way, 3D printing along with modeling and scanning will serve to illuminate the core nature of whatever medium it touches, whether it be sculpture or painting once again”.

Recreating the past

3D printing technologies can also allow us to celebrate the beauty of past artistic masterpieces. 3D printing technology can allow us to recreate the canvases of our past artistic heroes, in 3D. For example, artists Nick and Rob constructed a striking a 3D-printed structure inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s signature sunflowers. The gorgeous explosion of yellows and golds, stunningly captured in his popular work ‘Amy’, were recreated by Rob and Nick Carter in a gorgeous 3D-printed golden design.

Adam Lowe recreated a perfect replica of the tomb of the egyptian King Tutankhamun, using 3D printing. He describes how 3D technology allowed him to reach a high level of perfection in his recreation, “Every bit of micro bacteria is in its place, every crack, every flake of paint. It’s effectively like a portrait, or a performance, of the tomb from when we recorded it in 2009.”

Enhancing artistic evolution through 3D printing technology

3D printing technology is seen by some as something that threatens the authenticity and creativity of the artistic world, but 3D printing can help enhance our current artistic mediums and can re-create artistic wonders from the past; bringing a new sense of style and wonder to the pieces of the past, and helping to evolve the artistic world beyond its past limitations.